Tennessee bus accidents are more common than people expect. A bus accident victim could be left with significant injuries and might not know how to recover the compensation they need.
An experienced Tennessee bus accident lawyer can help you overcome the challenges of recovering what you are entitled to. Bus accident lawsuits can be more complex than others since many parties are usually involved in the incident. While the bus driver is the most likely responsible for causing an accident, other negligent drivers or the bus company could also be held liable. There could also be additional hurdles if the bus were operated by a local or state government agency.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bus accident, our dedicated Tennessee bus accident lawyers are ready to provide you with a free case review. Contact Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Bus Accident in Tennessee
There could be several parties that could share responsibility for a bus accident in Tennessee. Most buses are common carriers that provide public transportation options in exchange for money. Because they provide a service to the public, bus drivers and owners are held to a higher standard of care than typical drivers. If they fall below this level of care, bus drivers and their employers could be held liable.
Fortunately, Tennessee is an at-fault state for auto accidents. This means you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties for damages without being forced to file insurance claims. You can also sue if your claim was denied or the settlement amount was unfair. Many parties could be responsible for your injuries, depending on how your bus accident occurred. Our Tennessee bus accident lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve from those responsible for your injuries.
Bus Drivers
It is common for bus drivers to be responsible for accidents. Buses are difficult vehicles to operate, with several features that make them dangerous. For instance, buses have many blind spots that another car can get lost in and struck when the bus changes lanes. There are also many distractions on a bus that could take a bus driver’s attention off the road.
Bus Companies
Bus companies can often be held liable for the accidents their bus drivers cause in Tennessee. Most bus companies are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their buses. Bus companies must also conduct reasonable background checks for prospective drivers before hiring to weed out dangerous drivers. As long as a bus driver is not considered an independent contractor, a bus company can be held liable for their negligent driver if the accident happened while the bus driver was performing their normal job duties.
Local and State Busing Companies
City, state, and regional government transportation companies operate many buses to provide local transportation options for Tennessee residents and tourists. For example, city buses, like Nashville’s WeGo, operate on regular routes and schedules for commuters that choose not to drive. However, a bus accident case involving a government-owned bus can have added levels of complexity.
Government-bus companies in many states enjoy what is known as sovereign immunity, meaning that the government agency cannot be held liable for the negligence of their employees. Fortunately, the Tennessee Tort Liability Act (TTLA) stripped municipalities and counties of their “sovereign immunity” in many areas. Under T.C.A. § 29-20-202, government entities can be sued for injuries caused by an employee’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle. For example, many government districts operate school buses and can likely be held liable along with the driver if the bus is involved in an accident.
Other Parties
It is, of course, possible that another driver causes a bus accident. While it might seem difficult for a driver to crash into a large bus, it is more common than one would think. Pedestrians and bicyclists can also cause a bus accident if they fail to observe traffic laws. Our Tennessee bus accident lawyers can help you determine each party who shares responsibility for causing your injuries.
Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Tennessee
There are several different causes of bus accidents in Tennessee. The cause of a bus accident will greatly influence how a lawsuit proceeds and who compensation can be recovered from. Multiple parties can be named in a lawsuit in many bus accident cases. The following are some common causes of bus accidents in Tennessee:
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Accidents from restricted maneuverability
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to obey traffic lights and signs
- Failure to properly inspect and maintain the bus
- Defective bus parts
- Driving in a bus’s blind spot
- Distracting passengers
- Other negligent drivers
- Dangerous weather conditions
While this list seems long, it is by no means exhaustive as there could be several other ways a bus accident could occur. Our Tennessee bus accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve regardless of how your bus accident occurred.
Common Types of Buses Involved in Bus Accidents in Tennessee
Many types of buses can be seen on the roads in Tennessee. Buses are typically owned and operated by private companies or city and state government agencies. In most cases, the company that owns the bus can be sued along with the driver, even government bus companies. The following are some common types of buses that are involved in accidents in Tennessee:
- Public transit buses
- School buses
- Long-distance buses, such as Megabus and Greyhound buses
- Tour buses
- Airport and hotel shuttle buses
There could be other types of buses that can be at fault for your accident. Regardless of the kind of bus involved in your accident, our Tennessee bus accident lawyers can help you craft the right legal strategies to meet the challenges of your case.
Our Tennessee Bus Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in a bus accident, our Tennessee bus accident lawyers can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. For a free case evaluation, call Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
